Wombats, watermelons and white gums on the way for Chinchilla Parklands

Artists impression of the Chinchilla Botanic Parklands water play area.

In early 2019, residents and visitors to the Western Downs are going to have a stunning new parkland to play, entertain and explore with the construction of the Chinchilla Botanic Parklands commencing next week.

In the cornerstone project of the 2018/19 Budget, Western Downs Regional Council has allocated a further $3 million on top of the already committed $2.7 million towards the delivery of the Parklands.

Council Spokesperson for Parks, Open Spaces and Cemeteries Councillor Carolyn Tillman said the Chinchilla Botanic Parklands will meet community demands for more recreational opportunities and space to hold events.

“The scale and diversity of what will be on offer in the Parklands is breaking new ground here in the Western Downs,” she said.

“We’ll be one of the only places in Queensland with a water play area and probably the only one that has taken inspiration from the pink and green fruit that has placed Chinchilla on the map as Australia’s melon capital.

“Chinchilla has such a rich past from our railway history right through to prehistoric times — a lot of people will be surprised to know that the area was once home to an ancient species of wombat.

“It’s these unique characteristics that we’ve turned into interactive displays, gardens and play areas for everyone to see and enjoy.

“We can’t wait to start digging the dirt on the new Chinchilla Botanic Parklands and showcasing the best of our community to the rest of the region and our visitors.”

The Chinchilla Botanic Parklands will include a Megafauna Discovery Space, events space, botanic gardens and plenty of lawn to play on, with total site development taking place in three stages over the next five to ten years.

Chinchilla Chamber of Commerce President Amanda Maurice said the Parklands would benefit both residents and visitors to the region and add to the liveability of Chinchilla and the Western Downs.

“We’re very excited about the Parklands and it will provide an excellent linkage between the highway and the town centre which is currently lacking,” she said.

“It will be a great space for Chinchilla people to share and enjoy and a reason for visitors to stop and enjoy Chinchilla as well, which will mean our local businesses and services are also benefitting from this increased traffic.”

The Chinchilla Botanic Parklands is proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Building Our Regions Fund in association with Western Downs Regional Council.